Assumption University’s Physician Assistant Studies Program Granted Accreditation-Provisional Status
Assumption to welcome its first cohort of physician assistant students in January 2025
Assumption University announced today that its Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies program has been granted accreditation-provisional status from the Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physician Assistant (ARC-PA). This is the accreditation status granted when a developing PA program successfully applies for accreditation. The first cohort of students will begin in January 2025 and graduate in 2027.
“This achievement represents years of hard work and persistence from many in our community,” said Greg Weiner, President of Assumption University. “I’m grateful for what this program represents – for Assumption and for the impact our graduates will have as compassionate and thoughtful healthcare providers. I look forward to seeing the profound difference this program will make in the lives of its students and the communities they will serve.”
“The ARC-PA accreditation process is a rigorous one that we could not have successfully accomplished without the teamwork of our PA Program faculty and staff, Assumption University administration, and the assistance and resources from all parties involved – not only here at the University, but also throughout the nation,” said Christopher Ferreira, PA-C, Director of the Physician Assistant Studies Program. “We envision our students to be leaders, significantly impacting their communities in their roles as healthcare professionals. The Assumption University PA Program strives to be distinguished as a premier PA Program in the region, recognized for exceptional PAs in the community.”
The 28-month program will include 12 months of instructional coursework on campus, in the anatomy lab at the UMass Chan Medical School, and during pre-clinical experiences in the community; this is followed by 16 months of hands-on clinical experience as the students complete 13 clinical rotations with our clinical site partners throughout the region. During their time at the University, Assumption PA students will have access to state-of-the-art facilities, talented and dedicated faculty members, and important courses that will ensure Assumption PAs will be able to give patients the best care possible. These courses will incorporate a distinct focus on care for the human person, part of the foundation of Assumption’s Catholic mission. This program will also help to fill a growing need for physician assistants in today’s healthcare landscape.
The PA program will be housed in the Richard J. and Sophia Catrambone Health Sciences Center, a brand-new facility that will give students the tools they need to thrive, including dedicated PA classrooms, study spaces, a physical examination lab, and a medical simulation center.
Applications for the program remain open through November 1, 2024. The program is not utilizing the Central Application Service for Physician Assistants (CASPA) this cycle; instead, there is a direct application through the Assumption University website, which will simplify the process and provide applicants with a direct connection to the University. Applications for Assumption’s PA program are available here. There is no application fee.
All admission-related and other program information, including all admission requirements and ARC-PA accreditation status, will remain published on the Assumption PA program website: https://www.assumption.edu/graduate/physician-assistant-studies.